If we look at circumstances the way God see circumstances we might have a totally different perspective. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said that there will be trails that we will face in this life. It was a statement of fact and certainty. Yet we have been seduced into thinking that once we come to Christ our Life will be easy and free from “bad” situations. God is noted as a potter in our book of life, I would like to also see Him as a painter. A painter has to have the proper canvas to start with before they can create a master piece. God uses and allows these trails in our lives to set the perfect canvas for His artistic expression. We wish so gravely and pray so heavily for instant release from our terrible trials, yet God is using them to paint a beautiful portrait that attracts the world to Him. Paul said not only do I want to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection but also His suffering. If we look at our trails as the times when God wishes to use us as master pieces we will not be in a rush to be delivered. God is in no rush as we can see in His word, 100 years for the flood, 25 years for the birth of Isaac, 40 years in the wilderness, etc... All precious things take time to perfect, and if the process of purifying gold means that heat needs to be applied then we should count it all joy for each trial. God thought enough of us as He did His only begotten Son, to use us in His perfect Will to bring Glory to himself and a witness to the world. Stop looking at your circumstances as terrible and see them as opportunities for the Father’s Will to be expressed in His Time!!! Be Encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of circumstances on purpose!!!!!
“The Charge” at www.thecharge-dcoutourier.blogspot.com
Philippians 3
No Confidence in the Flesh
1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
James 1
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Trials and Temptations
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
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